(Source: Linkedin)
Minor
edits were made to correct spelling and grammatical errors. Some recommendations were relocated to the proper
position.
“Jim is a very capable technical consultant and has been
a terrific asset in certain patent and technical litigation matters.” April 23, 2008
Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert
Jerry Klein
hired Jim as a Technical consultant in 2006, and hired Jim more than once
“Jim is a spectacular
technologist who is fully capable of new and inventive approaches to very
difficult problems. He is extremely dedicated to his projects and is fully
capable of functioning as a hands-on manager as well as a principal technical
project leader. His business acumen enables him to stay focused on the key
issues of any convoluted situation and enables him to also function well as a
product development engineering executive.” April
23, 2008
Jorge Noa,
Principal Consultant, Managing Director, Noa Consulting Services (Noaco)
worked with Jim at TraxRx Corporation
Ark Systems, Inc. (California)
“Jim is a detail-oriented systems engineer who was able
to adapt to a new environment and become productive quickly. Jim is very
knowledgeable about embedded systems and, specifically, storage subsystems.
He's easy to work with and is trustworthy.” May
27, 2008
Top
qualities: Expert, Good Value, High Integrity
Ben Manuto
hired Jim as a Software Development Consultant in 2006
“Jim has successfully established two
companies. At Kolinar, he both implemented and coded software products designed
to run under VM/370. At Ark Jim mostly coded from scratch a PC operating system
and applications which permitted all sorts of disk performance and reliability
improvements. Kolinar was sold to another company and the software Jim
developed at Ark was sold to a 3rd party. Jim had to leave Ark to support the
Ark product. After over 30 years developing and fixing software, I can truly
say that Jim is the most insightful and intelligent programmer I have ever
met.” April 24, 2008
Bill Ehrman,
Systems Engineer, Amdahl
worked directly with Jim at Ark Systems, Inc. (California)
LSI Logic
Storage Systems / Engenio
“Jim is an extremely
intelligent person and was able to do superhuman coding efforts in short time.
IMHO, 5% of firmware developers create 70% of the work and Jim is one of those
guys. Jim is also one that has long term vision and understands the market
well.” April 23, 2008
Dave Mooney,
VP Sales, Engenio Information Technologies
worked with Jim at Ark Systems, Inc. (California)
“Jim is a brilliant technologist. He has a
very broad technology understanding, ability to think out of the box, and has
an amazing ability to quickly develop proof-of-concept and first pass
software.” April 23, 2008
Gerard Meluso,
Dir Strategic Development, LSI Corp
worked with Jim at Ark Systems, Inc. (California)
“Jim is a creative entrepreneur who is able
build a cohesive team and carry out a vision.” April
29, 2008
Anne Whiting,
Learning & Organization Development Consultant, LSI Logic, Inc
worked with Jim at Ark Systems, Inc. (California)
“I've had the pleasure of frequently working
with Jim at LSI. In every instance, I've admired his creativity and persistence
at designing product solutions that greatly enhanced the competitiveness of
LSI's storage product portfolio.” April 24, 2008
Sharon Stluka,
Storage Architect, LSI Logic Corp / Engenio Storage Group
worked directly with Jim at LSI Logic Storage Systems / Engenio
“I would like to recommend
Jim Bergsten for any position requiring Technical leadership in the computer
software field. This person’s depth of knowledge that goes way beyond that of a
software engineer. In the past decade it has been my good fortune to work with
Jim at more than one company. His leadership in the areas of computer software
made my job easier. He was always available for consult whenever needed. And
given his well rounded knowledge of computer systems it is like working
alongside of a computer library.” April 30, 2008
Bill Nadzam,
Principal Engineer, Manager of Firmware Development, LSI Logic Storage products
reported to Jim at LSI Logic Storage Systems / Engenio
“As founder, Jim did the initial fundraising
and product development. As president, Jim was the chief developer and hired
and managed the development team. Jim has a rare combination of both business
and computer sense. He would be a valuable asset to any venture.” April
24, 2008
Wilton Byrum,
Software Developer, ARK Research
reported to Jim at Ark Research
“Jim is a very smart person
with an extremely deep grasp of technology. His skills are unsurpassed in
technical development and solutions analysis. His product and design skills
have resulted in products that have no competition. On a personal level, I find
him pleasant to work with and easy to talk to about technology.” April
23, 2008
Bob Lai,
Product Marketing, LSI Corporation
worked with Jim at Ark Research
“Jim Bergsten was a
Director of Engineering responsible for the development of Software and
Firmware on the IBM 370 CPU. We worked closely together as our teams interfaced
while debugging system level issues. Jim is a very technical leader, as capable
as anyone I have ever met in terms of architectural and design level
capabilities. His ability to work well with other team members helped to
contribute to a successful design and implementation of the products developed.
Jim was also very successful at interfacing at the senior management level and
with our base of venture capitalists. I would certainly work with Jim Bergsten
again in the future, given his ability to identify successful products needed
by the industry and to lead a highly skilled team.” April
23, 2008
John Simmons,
Firmware Engineering Manager, Andor Systems
worked indirectly for Jim at Ark Systems, Inc. (California)
“Jim has a keen entrepreneurial vision and has
always given me helpful and thoughtful answers on a variety of topics.” May
13, 2008
Lee Warner,
Member of Technical Staff, Andor Systems
was with another company when working with Jim at Ark Systems, Inc.
(California)
“Jim is both a creative programmer and a highly
analytical thinker. At Kolinar he managed the technical and management ends of
the business with equal aplomb -- and success. As an advocate for the users, I
typically came to Jim with one of two things; a request for enhancement or a
bug. With bugs, his intense pride of ownership in the software catalyzed him to
fix problems faster than I've ever experienced with a software company before
or since. As for suggestions, his metric, which I have used many times over the
years, was "If I add this feature, will we sell more copies?" Faced
with a problem or decision, Jim has the ability to absorb a huge amount of
information and then rapidly synthesize and take action appropriately. Beyond
his intellect, he is a funny guy which made for a comfortable work
environment.” May
26, 2008
James Weissman,
Director of Marketing, Kolinar Corporation
reported to Jim at Ark Systems, Inc. (California)
“Jim is one of the
few managers with a full perspective of the likely issues his team will
encounter during software development projects. His knack for being there with
guidance at the most appropriate time is uncanny, to say the least. He is also
a detail oriented engineer who never overplays his role as a project leader;
consequently, his team mates willingly do their best to reach project goals.
Jim is an extremely well rounded senior executive and especially adept in
"start-up" ventures.” May
16, 2008
Chuck Brown,
Owner, CHBI
worked directly with Jim at Kolinar / VM Systems Group
“There are no stereotypes to describe Jim, a totally
unique individual, for whom I would work for again. Jim is a first-principles
thinker who is able to focus his startling intellect on any complex issue and
reduce it to shreds. He is unfailingly humble and sincere for a person with so
much deep insight into the world. He has an incredible attention to detail
which results in everything he does being of an exceptionally high quality. He
passed this ethic on to me in both word and deed and made me realize what it
takes to produce a software product - versus a hack. Once he has thoroughly
digested categorized and stored all detailed knowledge on a subject he puts a
plan into action which is seen through to the end. Jim has tremendous insight
into many diverse and interesting subjects. I have learned more about UK
culture from Jim than growing up there. Some of my fondest memories are when I
heard him play a note-perfect rendition of Genesis' Duke and when he took me
along on a lunchtime excursion to buy a Fairlight.” April 29, 2008
Adrian Blakey,
Director of Applications Development, Kolinar Corp.
reported to Jim at Kolinar / VM Systems Group
“I first met Jim Bergsten when VM Systems Group and
Kolinar merged into one company. I was tasked with packing and moving the
Kolinar assets from California to Virginia in just three weeks. As President
and CEO of Kolinar, Jim was my main point of contact. He was intelligent,
thoughtful, approachable, and very easy to work with during this daunting task.
He was perceptive and supportive, knowing when to step in to help and when to
step back and let me do my job. After merging the two companies, Jim brought
his knowledge and expertise to the Board of Directors’ planning table and
played a vital role in helping the company to expand sensibly and profitably.
Not only were his technical skills stellar, but he thoughtfully reached out to
peers and subordinates alike, allowing them input into the direction that
Software Development should take, thereby enabling them to feel invested as
stakeholders. This team-minded approach helped his Research and Development
group identify and prioritize a variety of development projects, to help build
a compelling roadmap, guiding the company to the next level and increased
profitability. The quality and professionalism of his efforts coupled with his
integrity were quite impressive. As I was just beginning my career in the
software development field, Jim encouraged me (and others) to pursue more
challenging, complex projects that helped us become better and more productive
employees. If we weren’t living on opposite coasts, I would definitely find a
way to work with Jim again.” April
24, 2008
Cheryl McNutt,
Office Manager/Facilities Manager, VM Systems Group/Kolinar
worked with Jim at Kolinar / VM Systems Group
“Jim brought to VMSG a line of products that
significantly improved the company's financial position as well as its
recognition within the industry. He integrated well and brought with him and
his colleagues professionalism, compassion, dedication, and humor. I have the
highest respect for his intellect and propriety.” April 23, 2008
Tom Kumpf,
Product Developer/Manager Product Development, VM Systems Group
worked indirectly for Jim at Kolinar / VM Systems Group
“As founder of Kolinar, Jim provided overall direction of
the company while giving me full responsibility for sales and marketing. He
made sure our software was technically excellent and got out the door on time
and on budget. He is a creative, but disciplined thinker and manager.” April 23, 2008
Paul Davis,
Director of Sales, SimpleSoft
reported to Jim at Kolinar / VM Systems Group
“Jim is the single best manager I have had in over three
decades as a software engineer. He successfully herded some of the wildest cats
ever gathered in a small company. In addition, he is one of the best code
writers I ever met. I highly recommend him as a senior manager for any company
who needs a smart, experienced leader.” April 22, 2008
Jim McMaster,
Developer, VM Systems Group
reported to Jim at Kolinar / VM Systems Group
“I have worked with and bought multiple products from
Jim. His breadth of knowledge on just about everything you can think of is
thoroughly amazing. Basically, he gets it, and his track record of
entrepreneurial success proves this out. His strengths are so numerous that
they are difficult to list. A practical visionary with superior coding skills
and the ability to close on projects that produce deliverables, a brilliant
theoretician with the ability to solve difficult problems in seemingly
non-complex ways, most importantly a nice guy who never seems to get angry
regardless of how difficult the situation might be.” April 22, 2008
Mitch Sako,
Engineering, STC Computer Research
worked directly with Jim at Ark Systems, Inc. (California)
“In addition to his
technical leadership, Jim is a distinguished business leader and innovator. His
insights and opinions were frequently sought by senior management at Amdahl
Corp as well as by many important commercial and government customers worldwide.”
April 26, 2008
Tim Parker,
Sr Manager, Strategic Development, Lockheed Martin
worked with Jim at Amdahl
“Jim provided me with many
software advantages that I would not have had if it were not for him. He
created great software products that we used at Amdahl as well as leading the
IT group. Out of all those of whom I have worked with, If given a choice, I
would work with Jim again.” April 25, 2008
Guy Waters,
Sr Engineer, Amdahl Corp
worked with Jim at Amdahl
“Jim and I worked together
in Amdahl's VM Support Team. Our responsibilities included consulting with
customers over the phone or on-site. During this time I found Jim to be a
highly talented and dependable engineer. He would be an asset to any
organization that hires him.” April 23, 2008
Greg Payne,
HQ Software Engineer, Amdahl
worked directly with Jim at Amdahl
“Jim and I were colleagues,
both very interested in VM/SP - precursor to zVM. Jim Bergsten was one of the
two most productive programmers I have known in my career. He would write 150K
to 200K LOC of nearly perfect code a year.” April
23, 2008
John Alvord,
Senior Software Engineer, Amdahl Corporation
worked with Jim at Amdahl
“Jim was a tremendous
resource to Amdahl, a gifted individual, a pleasure to work and a professional
with impeccable integrity. There would be no project that if he were intent to
peruse – that he would not succeed.” April 23, 2008
Dan Burleson,
Software Engineer, Amdahl
worked with Jim at Amdahl
The
Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
EE,
1972 – 1976
“Jim is an innovative
leader who is capable of managing and completing technical projects. His creative
approach to problem solving is unique in the industry. He is a great and loyal
friend and colleague.” April 23, 2008
Robert
Hopkins, Director, Computer Center, The Cooper
Union
was with another company when working with Jim at Ark Systems, Inc.
(California)